SAD(Seasonal Affective Disorder) was first described more than ten years
ago by Dr Norman E. Rosenthal, himself a sufferer. He recommended long
hours in front of a light box as a cure. (A light box is a portable box
fitted with powerful electric lights.) However, this was often
difficult for sufferers to fit into their busy lives. Moreover, there
was a risk of overexposure to harmful ultra violet rays.
Since then, light therapy
has been improved. Stronger lights (with no ultraviolet rays) can be
used for shorter periods of time: many patients now get good results
from only half an hour in front of high-intensity light boxes.
Dr Rosenthal sets up his light box in front of his indoor skiing
machine. This way he gets the benefit from two types of cure at once:
light and exercise. It is w
ell known that regular physical
activity works as an anti-depres-sant, whether seasonal or not.
The benefits of light therapy :
Light therapy offers many potential benefits for people with seasonal affective disorder. It may be helpful for you if:
You don't want to take medications such as antidepressants
You can't tolerate the side effects of antidepressants
You've tried antidepressants but they haven't been effective
You want an alternative to psychotherapy
You lack insurance coverage for mental health services
Light therapy may be helpful in treating conditions other than seasonal
affective disorder. However, it shouldn't be a substitute for standard
treatment. And keep in mind that little research has been done using
light therapy for other disorders.
Another researcher has found that, by simulating an early sunrise while
SAD sufferers sleep. There is no need for special light therapy during
the day. Dr Michael Tcrman has invented a computerised machine that
emits low-intensity light while the patient is asleep. This fools the
brain
into thinking that the sun has risen early and that winter is over.
ago by Dr Norman E. Rosenthal, himself a sufferer. He recommended long
hours in front of a light box as a cure. (A light box is a portable box
fitted with powerful electric lights.) However, this was often
difficult for sufferers to fit into their busy lives. Moreover, there
was a risk of overexposure to harmful ultra violet rays.
Since then, light therapy
has been improved. Stronger lights (with no ultraviolet rays) can be
used for shorter periods of time: many patients now get good results
from only half an hour in front of high-intensity light boxes.
Dr Rosenthal sets up his light box in front of his indoor skiing
machine. This way he gets the benefit from two types of cure at once:
light and exercise. It is w
ell known that regular physical
activity works as an anti-depres-sant, whether seasonal or not.
The benefits of light therapy :
Light therapy offers many potential benefits for people with seasonal affective disorder. It may be helpful for you if:
You don't want to take medications such as antidepressants
You can't tolerate the side effects of antidepressants
You've tried antidepressants but they haven't been effective
You want an alternative to psychotherapy
You lack insurance coverage for mental health services
Light therapy may be helpful in treating conditions other than seasonal
affective disorder. However, it shouldn't be a substitute for standard
treatment. And keep in mind that little research has been done using
light therapy for other disorders.
Another researcher has found that, by simulating an early sunrise while
SAD sufferers sleep. There is no need for special light therapy during
the day. Dr Michael Tcrman has invented a computerised machine that
emits low-intensity light while the patient is asleep. This fools the
brain
into thinking that the sun has risen early and that winter is over.
